Jason L Powell - Böcker

Social Welfare, Aging and Social Theory explores how we can understand the changing relationship between social welfare and human aging. The book begins by reviewing how historical changes in society impacted on shaping emergence of scientific approaches to understand and problematize and bio-medicalize aging as akin to an illness and disease. The discussion moves to trace how particular social science theories were developed to reinforce negative perceptions of aging. The book also develops its own reflexive approach with in-depth examples of social welfare in national, international and global contexts in how aging is theorized in the postmodern world were alternative possibilities can be encountered.

This book explores both conceptual and theoretical issues that impinge on understanding aging in (post) modern society. It analyses how knowledge formation of aging, with particular reference to 'old age' in contemporary western society, is socially constituted and positioned by powerful 'taken for granted assumptions'. These assumptions have provided a power/knowledge base for bio-medical disciplines, legitimacy of political-economic discourses and practices of professional experts. The book is in two parts: the first part introduces 'modernist' scientific models and theories of gerontology and questions their importance in mapping out the assumptions of aging and how they impinge on identity performance in society through disciplinary matrix of biology, psychology and social conceptualizations of gerontology; the second part focus upon 'postmodern' constructions aging through the articulation and development of novel epistemologies: postmodernism and aging body; discourse and power/knowledge; and 'aging' in the 'risk society'. The book addresses a key question: can 'meta-theories' provide an effective analysis of aging which is radically different from modernist 'grand narratives' as epitomized by not only bio-medical models of aging but also of mainstream social theories of gerontology.

In recent years, major social forces such as: ageing populations, social trends, migration patterns, and the globalization of economies, have reshaped social welfare policies and practices across the globe. Multinational corporations, NGOs, and other international organizations have begun to influence social policy at a national and local level. Among the many ramifications of these changes is that globalizing influences may hinder the ability of individual nation-states to effect policies that are beneficial to them on a local level. With contributions from thirteen countries worldwide, this collected work represents the first major comparative analysis on the effect of globalization on the international welfare state.The Welfare State in Post-Industrial Society is divided into two major sections: the first draws from a number of leading social welfare researchers from diverse countries who point to the nation-state as case studies; highlighting how it goes about establishing and revising social welfare provisions. The second portion of the volume then moves to a more global perspective in its analysis and questioning of the impact of globalization on citizenship, ageing and marketization.The Welfare State in Post-Industrial Society seeks to encourage debate about the implications of the most pressing social welfare issues in nation-states, and integrate analyses of policy and practice in particular countries struggling to provide social welfare support for their needy populations.

China, which is fast on its way to becoming the most powerful economic force in the world, has four unique characteristics that distinguish it from other countries in Asia: (1) The proportion of aging population is growing faster than that of Japan (the country previously recognized as having the fastest rate) and much faster than nations in western Europe. (2) An early arrival of an aging population before modernization has fully taken place, with social policy implications. It is certain that China will face a severely aged population before it has sufficient time and resources to establish an adequate social security and service system for older people. (3) There will be fluctuations in the total dependency ratio. The Chinese government estimates are that the country will reach a higher dependent burden earlier in the twenty-first century than was previously forecast. (4) The government’s fertility policy (single child per family) and its implementation has a strong influence on the aging process. Fewer children are being born, but with more elderly people a conflict arises between the objectives to limit population increase and yet maintain a balanced age structure (Peng and Guo 2001). The intersection of these fourfold factors means that the increased aging population is giving rise to serious concerns among Chinese social policy makers. There is a chronic lack of good resource materials that attempt to make sense of social policy in its relationship to examining the problems and possibilities of human aging grounded in an analysis of economic of social policy in China and impact on rural and urban spaces. Such analysis of China will be covered by conceptual, theoretical, and empirical approaches. The book will also discuss substantive topics of housing, community care, family care, pensions, and mental health. The book brings together a truly world class array of researchers to provide discussions of critical implications of aging social policy and theeconomic impact in China.

China, which is fast on its way to becoming the most powerful economic force in the world, has four unique characteristics that distinguish it from other countries in Asia: (1) The proportion of aging population is growing faster than that of Japan (the country previously recognized as having the fastest rate) and much faster than nations in western Europe. (2) An early arrival of an aging population before modernization has fully taken place, with social policy implications. It is certain that China will face a severely aged population before it has sufficient time and resources to establish an adequate social security and service system for older people. (3) There will be fluctuations in the total dependency ratio. The Chinese government estimates are that the country will reach a higher dependent burden earlier in the twenty-first century than was previously forecast. (4) The government’s fertility policy (single child per family) and its implementation has a strong influence on the aging process. Fewer children are being born, but with more elderly people a conflict arises between the objectives to limit population increase and yet maintain a balanced age structure (Peng and Guo 2001). The intersection of these fourfold factors means that the increased aging population is giving rise to serious concerns among Chinese social policy makers. There is a chronic lack of good resource materials that attempt to make sense of social policy in its relationship to examining the problems and possibilities of human aging grounded in an analysis of economic of social policy in China and impact on rural and urban spaces. Such analysis of China will be covered by conceptual, theoretical, and empirical approaches. The book will also discuss substantive topics of housing, community care, family care, pensions, and mental health. The book brings together a truly world class array of researchers to provide discussions of critical implications of aging social policy and theeconomic impact in China.

In recent years, major social forces such as: ageing populations, social trends, migration patterns, and the globalization of economies, have reshaped social welfare policies and practices across the globe. Multinational corporations, NGOs, and other international organizations have begun to influence social policy at a national and local level. Among the many ramifications of these changes is that globalizing influences may hinder the ability of individual nation-states to effect policies that are beneficial to them on a local level. With contributions from thirteen countries worldwide, this collected work represents the first major comparative analysis on the effect of globalization on the international welfare state.The Welfare State in Post-Industrial Society is divided into two major sections: the first draws from a number of leading social welfare researchers from diverse countries who point to the nation-state as case studies; highlighting how it goes about establishing and revising social welfare provisions. The second portion of the volume then moves to a more global perspective in its analysis and questioning of the impact of globalization on citizenship, ageing and marketization.The Welfare State in Post-Industrial Society seeks to encourage debate about the implications of the most pressing social welfare issues in nation-states, and integrate analyses of policy and practice in particular countries struggling to provide social welfare support for their needy populations.

As the world experiences a rapid increase in the aging population, it is essential to address the challenges and opportunities that arise as a result. This book explores the significant impact of aging on individual well-being, societal welfare systems, and the global economy.By examining the multifaceted aspects of aging, demography and welfare, the book aims to provide a comprehensive and critical narrative to navigating these challenges and achieving better outcomes for both older individuals and society as a whole. The book has a critical approach running through it; despite this, there is a need to do something with the critical questions and focus on sustainable solutions to problems and issues an aging population poses to researchers, policy makers and older people themselves.In essence, the primary purpose of this book is to shed light on the complexities surrounding aging, demography and its intersection with welfare systems. By delving into various perspectives, such as social, economic, and healthcare considerations, this book highlights the holistic understanding needed to address the challenges associated with an aging population effectively.

As the world experiences a rapid increase in the aging population, it is essential to address the challenges and opportunities that arise as a result. This book explores the significant impact of aging on individual well-being, societal welfare systems, and the global economy.By examining the multifaceted aspects of aging, demography and welfare, the book aims to provide a comprehensive and critical narrative to navigating these challenges and achieving better outcomes for both older individuals and society as a whole. The book has a critical approach running through it; despite this, there is a need to do something with the critical questions and focus on sustainable solutions to problems and issues an aging population poses to researchers, policy makers and older people themselves.In essence, the primary purpose of this book is to shed light on the complexities surrounding aging, demography and its intersection with welfare systems. By delving into various perspectives, such as social, economic, and healthcare considerations, this book highlights the holistic understanding needed to address the challenges associated with an aging population effectively.

In a society where youthfulness and vitality are highly valued, the quest for anti-aging solutions has become increasingly popularized in bio-medical gerontology.

In a society where youthfulness and vitality are highly valued, the quest for anti-aging solutions has become increasingly popularized in bio-medical gerontology.

As the world undergoes huge demographic shifts with aging populations and increasing life expectancy, it is essential to recognize the importance of understanding aging in different international, cultural, social, and economic contexts.This book aims to explore the diverse experiences of growing older across various regions and societies. By adopting an international perspective, this book will critically analyze the unique challenges and opportunities that arise in different aging populations in Asia, Americas, EU and Africa.Through this exploration, readers can gain a deeper understanding of aging and develop more effective strategies to support older individuals across the globe relating to pensions, employment, care and leisure.The purpose of this book is to shed light on the diversity of aging experiences internationally and examine the cultural, social, economic, and public policy factors that shape these experiences.By adopting an international approach, this book illuminates the variations in expectations, perceptions, and practices related to aging. This book seeks to promote a broader understanding of aging that goes beyond singular narratives and encourages the development of inclusive and contextually relevant approaches to aging and care.

As the world undergoes huge demographic shifts with aging populations and increasing life expectancy, it is essential to recognize the importance of understanding aging in different international, cultural, social, and economic contexts.This book aims to explore the diverse experiences of growing older across various regions and societies. By adopting an international perspective, this book will critically analyze the unique challenges and opportunities that arise in different aging populations in Asia, Americas, EU and Africa.Through this exploration, readers can gain a deeper understanding of aging and develop more effective strategies to support older individuals across the globe relating to pensions, employment, care and leisure.The purpose of this book is to shed light on the diversity of aging experiences internationally and examine the cultural, social, economic, and public policy factors that shape these experiences.By adopting an international approach, this book illuminates the variations in expectations, perceptions, and practices related to aging. This book seeks to promote a broader understanding of aging that goes beyond singular narratives and encourages the development of inclusive and contextually relevant approaches to aging and care.